Deran R.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

Quality 10

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Diamond certified VIDEO PROFILE

Diamond certified company PROFILE

Bill Faulconer, President

Renson Automotive, Inc. offers a variety of repair services to Santa Clara County drivers, including smog tests, brake systems, fuel injections, engine and computer systems, steering and suspensions, air conditioning, clutch adjustment and replacement, cooling systems, engines and transmissions, and electrical systems. It specializes in using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to perform accurate assessments of any system within a car.

President Bill Faulconer has been in the automotive industry since 1977 and took over operations of Renson Automotive in 1986. Mr. Faulconer has completed many customer service and automotive business courses, and he says he’s dedicated to providing quality workmanship and unmatched customer service.

Renson Automotive maintains a comprehensive database of manufacturers’ service requirements, which it refers to when performing services based on vehicle mileage. The shop is also AAA-approved and a member of the Automotive Service Councils of California.

DIAMOND CERTIFIED RESEARCHED ARTICLES ON Renson Automotive, Inc.

Company Profile

Renson Automotive, Inc. offers a variety of repair services to Santa Clara County drivers, including smog tests, brake systems, fuel injections, engine and computer systems, steering and suspensions, air conditioning, clutch adjustment and replacement, cooling systems, engines and transmissions, and electrical systems. It specializes in using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to perform accurate assessments of any system within a car.

President Bill Faulconer has been in the automotive industry since 1977 and took over operations of Renson Automotive in 1986. Mr. Faulconer has completed many customer service and automotive business courses, and he says he’s dedicated to providing quality workmanship and unmatched customer service.

Renson Automotive maintains a comprehensive database of manufacturers’ service requirements, which it refers to when performing services based on vehicle mileage. The shop is also AAA-approved and a member of the Automotive Service Councils of California.

Company Philosophy

"We've always strived to offer the best in customer service and satisfaction by repairing vehicles right the first time. We know that if our customers are happy with our services, they'll feel completely confident about referring us to their friends and families. We like to say, ‘We service you and your car,' so customers can relax and leave the work to us."

Comparative Summary

Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for auto repair companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Renson Automotive, Inc., the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and highly trained technicians to ensure every job is done right the first time. “We’re able to get to the root of car problems quicker than most shops, which ultimately saves our customers money,” says President Bill Faulconer. “Our ASE-certified technicians are constantly updating their training and skills, so they’re able to solve a wide variety of issues.”

Renson Automotive has been repairing and maintaining all types of domestic and foreign cars at its Campbell facility since 1976, working on everything from brakes, engines and transmissions to fuel injection systems, suspensions and electrical systems. The company is also licensed to perform smog tests, and it can even diagnose and repair emission systems that are tested by other shops.

Unlike some auto repair companies that try to increase their workloads by convincing their customers to pay for extra repairs, Renson Automotive only performs services that are absolutely necessary for the well-being of its customers’ vehicles. “We carefully look at every car and prioritize all the options so the customer can plan accordingly,” says Mr. Faulconer. “We’re more concerned about the longevity of our customers’ vehicles than getting a lot of upfront work.”

Another distinguishing characteristic of Renson Automotive is its comprehensive approach to quality control, which includes employing two ASE Master Technicians who use their extensive training to ensure every repair is of the highest quality. “Quality is more than just a concept for us; it’s something we’re constantly striving to improve,” says Mr. Faulconer. “Even on the rare occurrence that we get something wrong, we treat it very seriously and conduct a thorough review to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Industry Info

Knowing what to do when your car develops problems can save you a lot of money in the long run. The most important thing you can do to keep your car running at its peak potential is have a basic understanding of how to identify potential problems—not only will this extend the car’s lifespan, it will also dramatically reduce the amount of money you have to spend on it. For example, if your “check engine” light comes on and stays on, the best solution is to take your car into a repair shop at your earliest convenience, not immediately. “You don’t have to stop and call a tow truck, but you also don’t want to keep the car running that way for weeks,” says Bill Faulconer, President of Renson Automotive, Inc. in Campbell. “If the gauges and temperature are reading OK, just bring the car into a repair shop within a few days. A technician will run a diagnostic test and check the fluids to make sure there are no major issues.”
When it comes to brakes, Mr. Faulconer recommends having them checked as part of your regular service schedule or whenever there are indications that they aren’t working properly. If you hear a squealing noise when you apply your brakes, that means the pads are worn down but still have some life in them. Schedule an appointment to get them replaced before they completely wear away and damage the rotors, but it doesn’t need to be right away.
When it comes to choosing an auto repair facility, Mr. Faulconer recommends looking for a shop that has been in its community for a long time, which he says is indicative of its ability to deliver value to its customers and maintain a loyal clientele base. “Quality is all about action, and the best way to evaluate that is to see if the shop has repeat customers. If they do, it means they’re doing things the right way. You should also ask about the experience and longevity of the individual technicians in the shop—that’s another indicator of long-term value.”

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Absolutely. We’ll give you a complete quote that includes parts, labor and tax, so you’ll know the total from the start. We never surprise our customers with hidden or unexpected charges.

Q: Will my repair last?

A: Yes. To prevent problems from reoccurring, we take our time and diagnose each issue correctly from the very beginning. That way, we can focus on the actual problem and use high-quality, long-lasting parts to fix it.

Q: Do I really need to keep up with my vehicle’s manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule?

A: In our experience, people who follow recommended maintenance schedules are able to keep their cars on the road longer and spend less money over time. Proper maintenance prevents breakdowns, helps retain maximum resale value and gets you the best fuel mileage, so it’s definitely worth it.

Q: Is it safe to leave my car at your shop overnight?

A: Absolutely. Our facility is very safe and secure.

Q: Are you licensed to perform smog tests?

A: Yes, and we can even diagnose and repair emission systems that are tested by other shops.

Expert CONTRIBUTOR PROFILE

Bill Faulconer is a 39-year veteran of the automotive industry and president of Renson Automotive, Inc., a Diamond Certified company since 2002. He can be reached at (408) 840-3977 or by email.

Bill Faulconer: A Foundation of Integrity

By James Florence, Diamond Certified Resource Reporter

CAMPBELL – According to Bill Faulconer, his lengthy career in the automotive repair industry reflects a twofold passion. “My initial experience with auto repair was working on a Mustang with my father in our driveway, during which I discovered a fondness for working with my hands,” he remembers. “Later, when I became professionally involved with the industry, I developed a love for customer service. To this day, I’m not sure what I enjoy more: working on cars or helping people.”

After 30 years with Renson Automotive, Inc., Bill says he appreciates the long-term relationships he’s developed with his customers. “In addition to working on their vehicles, I enjoy getting to know my customers on a deeper level. There are some whose cars I’ve been servicing since I started here in 1985, and I’m even servicing some of their children’s cars, which is a really neat thing.”

Originally born in Roseville, Bill eventually settled in the Bay Area, where he says he has a great appreciation for the local versatility. “We have everything here. From the weather to the people to the natural beauty, there’s nothing that California doesn’t offer, and the Bay Area exhibits the heart of that.”

Outside of work, Bill spends a substantial portion of his time with family. “My wife and I have two grown children and four grandchildren—this June, we’re expecting our fifth,” he says. “We’re fortunate to have them all living in close proximity, which enables us to be a big part of their lives.” Bill also enjoys traveling and has recently picked up photography as a hobby. “My daughter is a professional photographer, so I try to keep up with her.”

In addition to family and hobbies, Bill makes it a point to stay actively involved in his local community. “I enjoy volunteering at local outreach centers,” he says, “and I also meet weekly with a group of people who are focused on helping the less fortunate.”

In both his professional and personal life, Bill emphasizes the importance of integrity. “There are a lot of auto shops that know how to repair cars, but what distinguishes mine is the fact that my integrity has never come into question,” he says. “Integrity is everything—it’s what my whole reputation and life is based upon.”

When asked what his future retirement might look like, Bill says he’d spend more time with his children, both at home and abroad. “My wife and I sponsor a couple of kids in Uganda, so in addition to spending more time with my grandchildren here, we’d love to have the opportunity to meet them.”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Are you a dog person or a cat person?
A: Definitely a dog person—we have two golden retrievers.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
A: Sit in front of a real wood-burning fire.

Q: Do you have any nicknames?
A: When I was a child, my nickname was Bill-Bill. Since my dad and I share the same name, Mom got tired of calling one Bill and having us both answer.

Q: What’s your favorite holiday?
A: Easter, because of my faith.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. There were a lot of quality people who came before us, and I think we could gain a lot of insight from them.

Expert articles

Do-It-Yourself Vehicle Maintenance

by Bill Faulconer, a Diamond Certified Expert Contributor

CAMPBELL — Many aspects of auto maintenance are best left to a professional, but there are some things you can easily do yourself. Here are two do-it-yourself measures you can take to improve your driving experience:

Tire pressure maintenance
While regulating tire pressure is important for safety, performance and tire longevity, many drivers don’t know that it can also affect fuel economy. While vehicle manufacturers set recommended tire pressure at a minimum specification, raising the pressure slightly above this number can actually improve your car’s gas mileage.

To maintain the air pressure in your tires, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge. Pocket gauges are simple and inexpensive, but a digital gauge offers improved reading accuracy. After removing the valve cap, use the gauge to check the air pressure and make sure it’s at or slightly above the manufacturer recommendation (this can be found in your owner’s manual or on the inside of the driver’s side door).

Air filter replacement
An engine air filter helps keep the engine running clean by stopping abrasive airborne particles from entering the cylinders. In most cases, replacing an air filter is simply a matter of popping off the adhesive clips, pulling out the old filter and putting a new one in its place. Before replacing an air filter, determine whether replacement is necessary—even if the filter isn’t completely clean, it may still be functional for a while longer.

Expert video tip

Video: At-Home Auto Care

Complete Video Transcription:

CAMPBELL — Host, Sarah Rutan: Two important parts of caring for your vehicle include tire pressure and air filters. Today, we’re in Campbell with Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Bill Faulconer of Renson Automotive to learn more.

Diamond Certified Expert Contributor, Bill Faulconer: Here’s a couple simple tips you can do at home very easily. First of all is tire pressure. Tire pressure is set by the manufacturer, a lot of them right around 32 psi, and that is the minimum strictly for comfort and what they feel is for safety. But by raising that pressure just slightly, you can get better fuel economy. And a simple way to do that is with a tire pressure gauge.

Now, they make some pocket ones, they make some simple ones at home. We use a digital one. And just remove the cap, check the air pressure, and set it to at least minimum specifications, but your tire will give you a maximum pressure specification. If you run it closer to the maximum, you will get better fuel economy.

The other simple thing is an air filter. Most air filters are very simple to replace. Pop a couple clips, lift it off. Now, this one is not extremely dirty, but you can see the dirt in there compared to the clean one. This is very minor. This is probably not quite ready for replacement, but every bit makes a difference.

Renson Automotive, Inc.

Diamond Certified RATINGS ON Renson Automotive, Inc.

Rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise

Renson Automotive, Inc.

262 SURVEYS

RATING

16 CONSECUTIVE YEARS SINCEAugust 2002CERT144

DIAMOND CERTIFIED PERFORMANCE GUARANTEED

Diamond certified ratings dashboard

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
i

Customer LOYALTY
i

Helpful Expertise
i

Each surveyed customer was asked, “If you needed any helpful expertise, did this company provide that expertise?” To calculate this score, total “Yes” responses were divided by total responses (excluding those that stated they hadn’t needed any expertise).

Company Credentials
i

Workers Compensation

Liability Insurance

License Verification

Business Practices

Current Complaint File

Phone SURVEY RESPONSES FROM 262 VERIFIED CUSTOMERS
i

Renson Automotive, Inc.:
Average 9.5 out of 10 based on 262 unique customer surveys of customer satisfaction.

Craig E.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

1
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It's an incredibly high quality and honest place to get your car serviced.

I like that they're very upfront and I never worry about them doing unnecessary repairs. I've been working with them for over twenty years.

Megan H.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

2
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

My family has been going to them for as long as I can remember.

We feel like we can trust them.

Deran R.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

3
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're very easy, very honest, and very nice.

I like how honest they are.

Don B.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

4
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

If you need work done on your car, give them a call.

They're helpful and I trust them. They always give me options on what to do and they fix my car.

Edith K.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

5
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I've sent several people there. I find them honest, and the man who is at the front desk has a great sense of humor.

They're courteous and they always seem eager to help. They seem to really care about their customers. They're wonderful.

Illene S.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

6
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

I think they're honest and they've always done a good job on my car. They were a little higher priced than others, but I found them to be a very good mechanic.

They're very efficient. They always call to let me know what needs to be done and they get it done within a timely manner.

Jim G.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

7
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're very professional.

I think they're really trustworthy and honest. I've been using them for years.

Karey S.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

8
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're reliable, honest, and fair priced.

I like their honesty.

Kathy D.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

9
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're trustworthy.

I like their service and the fact that they're trustworthy. I've been using them for years.

Ken W.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

10
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're honest, reliable, and fair.

I like their attention to detail.

Mark Y.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

11
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They are absolutely the best.

I can trust them.

Natalie J.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

12
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It's a great place to go to.

I like their friendly employees.

Robert H.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

13
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

It's a very quality outfit, they have very good prices, and they have an excellent staff.

I like the way they handle their customers. I think they do an excellent job.

Sarah P.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

14
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Their customer service is great.

I like that they answered all of my questions and they explained everything thoroughly to me.

Ruben A.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

15
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They seem to be dependable.

I like that when you talk to them, you're talking to someone who understands what you're trying to describe. I'm always very satisfied with their work.

Silvia B.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

16
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

Their place is very organized, they are very clear in explaining what needs to be done to the vehicle, and they are friendly and to the point.

Their sincere professionalism

Tom B.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

17
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're professional and reliable.

I like how reliable they are. We've been using them for years.

Betsy H.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

18
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're honest and they are good diagnosticians. They don't fix things that don't need to be fixed. They have my utmost trust and loyalty.

The personal service and quality of work, they're perfect.

Bob F.

VERIFIED Renson Automotive, Inc. CUSTOMER

19
of
262

Quality 10

1010

Loyalty
Yes

CRITIQUE

They're trustworthy and I have confidence that they're going to get the job done right.

I appreciate that I can trust them not to overcharge me, and that they won't do unnecessary work.